Pigeons are among the most destructive and problem-causing of all bird species. This is particularly the case in urban areas, as great flocks of pigeons descend on parks, homes, and buildings regularly. Pigeons cause several problems that can get serious, so it is always a good idea to keep pigeons away and to remove them if they will not leave. Continue reading to learn how to keep pigeons away from urban homes.
What Problems Do Pigeons Cause?
Pigeons might seem relatively harmless, but they can create many different problems that are not only annoying but can actually cause concerning issues. These issues are divided into two broad categories. The first, most important category of problems pigeons can cause has to do with disease. Like most other birds, pigeons carry all kinds of nasty diseases that can potentially be fatal to humans. These diseases are generally spread through the high volume of feces pigeons create, often layering various surfaces. Even minute human contact with these feces can cause severe illness.
Beyond the possibility of illness and disease, pigeons cause damage in many different ways. One of the most destructive issues with pigeons is the corrosion and deterioration that their droppings cause. This can have very serious consequences, as weakening certain metal structures could cause a failure at a time that could cause human injury, or in the worst case, life. Another problem pigeons cause has to do with obstructing chimneys and heating vents. Often, pigeons build nests in these sheltered places, potentially causing a fire and burning your home. Pigeons obviously can cause a lot of problems, so it is important to follow the steps below to keep them away.
Examine Your Exterior
One of the best ways to keep pigeons away from urban homes is to be sure they can’t get into urban homes! To begin, check the outside of your home very thoroughly. Pay particular attention to the roofline, the eaves, and the attic of your home. Look for any gaps, cracks, or holes that could allow a pigeon to enter your home. Pigeons love to get into attics for warmth and shelter, so keeping them out is vital. If you see any problems on the exterior of your home, repair these problem areas if you can. If they are beyond your level of handiness, hiring a professional is always a great idea.
Spike Strips
To prevent pigeons from getting into your home, it is important to understand pigeon behavior. One reason pigeons may love your house is that it provides an excellent place to roost. If you have window ledges, a nice pointed roof, or any other great roosting spots, consider putting down some spike strips to deter pigeons from roosting in these spots. This method is effective, as it will likely make the pigeons fly somewhere else to roost, keeping your property free from the birds.
Netting
Many homeowners have found success in keeping pigeons away by using netting. This netting is woven at a small hole size that prevents birds from being able to properly roost. Since the birds cannot roost, they will likely fly to a different house or building in order to roost, leaving your home pigeon-free.
Removal
If despite your best efforts and prevention steps taken, you still have a pigeon problem, it might be time to call in some help. Wildlife removal companies, such as Norcal Wildlife Removal, have been dealing with persistent pigeon problems for years. This experience with urban pigeons allows wildlife removal companies to effectively remove all of your pigeons affecting your home, as well as preventing them from coming back in the future. Many of these companies rely on humane removal methods, keeping the birds safe, as well as deterring more pigeons from your home. In addition to pigeon removal, most of these companies perform cleaning and sanitation services that get all of the disease pigeons carried and cleaned up, keeping you and your family safe.
Limit Food Sources
One of the primary reasons that pigeons could be invading your property is that there are some easy food sources lying around. One of the easiest steps you can take to cut off the food supply is to keep your garbage secured so that no birds have access to it. In addition, if you have bird feeders, it would be wise to dispose of them until your pigeon problem clears up. Pigeons commonly feed on vegetable gardens, so if you have one, you will likely have to come up with a solution. One common way to keep pigeons out of gardens is to cover all of your plants with chicken wire or a similar type of fencing. This prevents the birds from having access to your plants. Simply cutting off easy food sources is a great way to get rid of pigeons.
Visual Deterrents
While some pigeons may be smart enough to see right through this ruse, using visual deterrents to scare pigeons away can be very effective on most birds. To do this properly, consider getting an owl decoy or two, and position them in an area that is very visible to all birds. You could also go the scarecrow route, also keeping it out in the open for all birds to see. While they may not completely keep all birds away, these deterrents should make most birds think twice before inhabiting your property.
Use Your Pet
A great solution to the pigeon problem is one that you might already own! If you have a dog or a cat, you could potentially use your pet to scare pigeons and other birds. Hopefully, your pet is able to roam freely outside, but even if it is not, keeping the pet on a chain or leash for a while during the day could be all you need. In theory, your pet will just walk around like normal and pose its typical threat to birds. This can keep birds like pigeons from roosting too close to the ground, in order to stay alive!
